Georgia's annual ban on outdoor burning begins May 1 in 54 counties, mostly in the northern half of the state. The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) puts the restrictions in place during the summer months, when increases in ground level ozone may create health risks.

Three area professionals with GFC have received special recognition for their exemplary performance with the state agency. Employees of the Bleckley/Pulaski Unit of GFC have been chosen as the Outstanding Unit of the Year for the southern part of Georgia in fiscal year 2017.

Five area professionals with GFC have received special recognition for their exemplary performance with the state agency. Employees of the Clayton/Pike/Lamar/Spalding/Upson Unit have been chosen as the Outstanding Unit of the Year for the northern part of Georgia in fiscal year 2017.

Citizens across the state will observe Georgia's Arbor Day on Thursday and Friday, February 15 and 16, 2018. Special events that celebrate the many benefits of trees will be held in cities including Atlanta, Athens and Woodbine.

Governor Nathan Deal is helping raise awareness about reducing the risk of wildfire by proclaiming February 4-10, 2018, "Prescribed Fire Awareness Week" in Georgia. Deal signed the proclamation in a special ceremony at the state capitol on February 6.

A new report shows Georgia’s forest industry continues to provide a substantial impact to the state’s economy. In 2016, notable increases were recorded in the number of jobs, compensation paid to employees, and output - the total revenue generated by the industry. That figure rose 9.6% from the previous year to $35.2 billion.

GFC has promoted Gary White to the position of deputy director. White will oversee a diverse range of support, operations and program activities for the agency and assist the director in management functions of GFC.

GFC is taking steps to protect the safety of citizens in advance of incoming weather associated with Hurricane Irma. Effective Saturday, September 9, permits for all types of open burning will be suspended. Conditions will be re-evaluated on Monday, September 11.

Welcome to the Georgia Forestry Commission

The Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) is a dynamic state agency responsible for providing leadership, service and education in
the protection and conservation of Georgia's forest resources. Our headquarters is located in Dry Branch, Georgia. District and county offices are located throughout the state. Commission professionals provide a wide variety of services including fire detection, issuing burn permits, wildfire suppression and prevention services, emergency and incident command system expertise, rural fire department assistance, forest management assistance to landowners and communities, the marketing and utilization of forest resources and nature services, and growing and
selling quality tree seedlings for planting.

This six session course is offered to landowners who own 10 or more acres of land and want to learn the basics of land management. It is designed to serve those who want to make their land more profitable and sustainable. Click through link above for registration information.

A Five-Year Plan for Georgia's Urban and Community Forests has been developed by a dedicated and diverse group of industry leaders across the state to provide strategic direction for urban and community forest programs and to coordinate statewide efforts to value, conserve, manage and enhance Georgia's community forests.

A new law strengthening timber sale regulations and increasing protection for forest landowners went into effect on July 1st. House Bill 790 brings change to many parts of the timber sale process and the authority of GFC law enforcement officers to enforce all laws relating to the protection, security, conservation or sale of timber transactions.

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